Monk targets further improvement

29th March

Garry Monk is keen for his side to push on and show further improvement after they clinched a crucial three points with a convincing 3-0 win over Norwich City.

The Swans secured a vital victory at the Liberty, courtesy of a brace from Jonathan de Guzman and a strike by Wayne Routledge.

In a dominant display by Monk's side, de Guzman put the Swans in front on the half-hour mark with a composed finish from the edge of the area before adding a second eight minutes later.

The Dutch international doubled his and Swansea's tally when he coolly finished off a superb move by the Swans after a sublime piece of skill by Wilfried Bony sent the midfielder through on goal. 

And the Swans' victory was rounded off in style when Wayne Routledge hit first-time past John Ruddy with 15 minutes left on the clock.

The result moves Swansea up to 13th position in the Barclays Premier League and seven points clear of the relegation zone. 

But Monk is fully focused on continued improvement in the final six games of the season to ensure Swansea's top-flight survival.


"It was a good three points - a very important three points," acknowledged the Swans head coach.

"For me, we have played a lot better than that in the games I've had but not come away with anything. 

"Don't get me wrong, in some spells today, we were very, very good. Some of the creativity, passing and movement was very good. 

"I felt we managed the period when we were under pressure much better today. 

"Ash Williams typified what we have been talking about. His block off the line early on in the second-half was perfect. 

"There were periods when we weren't so good, which is where we need to improve.

"But with three points, three goals and a clean sheet, I can't really complain.

"I told the boys in there that I don't want to lose another game this season. 

"We need to get more wins, which is crucial. It's important we improve and keep pushing each other. 

"We need to do it until the end of the season in all of our remaining games."

Monk was also keen to praise the impressive displays of de Guzman and Bony, who both had a significant impact on this afternoon's result.

"For me, Jonathan was our man of the match," he added. "I thought he epitomised everything that was good about us today. 

"His movement, his desire to get the ball back when we lost it, as well as managing to get himself two goals from an unfamiliar position.

"I thought he drove the team on. The other players saw that and it lifted everyone.

"And Bony was magnificent. I think he did about 25 back-heels. 

"It was great for the crowd to see, which is why I brought him off with a couple of minutes to go. 

"I wanted him to feel the appreciation of the supporters. It was good for our supporters to see his creative side, the link-up play and the tricks."



Meanwhile, Norwich boss Chris Hughton had no complaints with this afternoon's result.

"We didn't deserve anything," admitted Hughton. "Apart from a spell when Snodgrass had a chance, we were second best.

"We've found it difficult away from home to get that right formula. 

"Swansea are a very good passing team, and we didn't keep the ball well enough.

"They are too good a side to allow them to have as much of the ball as we gave them. 

"And, to their credit, they showed great quality to score the goals they did."